WHAT IS BAKUCHIOL SKIN CARE
Over the past years vitamin A has held the title for the gold standard skin care ingredients. And while it’s a true powerhouse when it comes to improving your complexion’s overall vitality, it isn’t always suitable for everybody – specifically those with sensitive skin. That’s where bakuchiol comes in.
A natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is renowned for doing everything that vitamin A does only this time without any irritations that can be related to retinoids. Intrigued? Us too. That’s why we took a deep dive into everything we needed to know about bakuchiol and answered all your most commonly asked questions – from what is bakuchiol to how it benefits the skin.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is bakuchiol
- How does bakuchiol work
- What are the benefits of bakuchiol
- How to use bakuchiol
- Best bakuchiol products
- What is bakuchiol FAQs
WHAT IS BAKUCHIOL
Before we get up close and personal with the latest skin care ingredient, it’s important to answer the question ‘what is bakuchiol’. Derived from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant (also known as ‘babchi’) native to India and Southeast Asia), the vegan powerhouse is typically seen as the natural alternative to retinol. Visibility reducing the look of fine lines, pigmentation and uneven skin tone – without irritation – bakuchiol is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
HOW DOES BAKUCHIOL WORK
Bakuchiol is renowned for its soothing properties which help to comfort complexions and minimise concerns associated with sensitivity and reactivity – we’re talking redness, blemishes and everything in between. What’s more, as a potent antioxidant, it also helps fight against loss of firmness by targeting free radicals and protecting skin from pollution and other environmental stressors.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BAKUCHIOL
Now we’ve answered the most common question of ‘what is bakuchiol’, it’s time to uncover how this ingredient can benefit you and your complexion. Bakuchiol has several benefits for the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skin care routines, especially for those seeking a gentler alternative to retinol. Keep scrolling to discover just some of bakuchiol’s benefits:
Improves skin texture: by boosting cell turnover, bakuchiol stimulates the skin's natural exfoliation process, encouraging the production of new skin cells while shedding dead skin cells from the surface. This not only smooths rough patches but improves overall skin texture, making the skin feel more even.
Brightens skin tone: by utilising it antioxidant properties to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure. While it’s not a replacement for sunscreen, it can help reduce the appearance of sun damage over time, including dark spots and pigmentation caused by sun exposure. What’s more, it inhibits melanin production (the pigment responsible for skin colour), to lighten and even out areas of discoloration, leading to a brighter, more uniform complexion.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines: by stimulating collagen production, bakuchiol helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to a firmer complexion.
Banishes blemishes and breakouts: due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bakuchiol calms inflammation and soothes the skin, making it an excellent choice for those who suffering from breakouts.
Improves skin elasticity: as bakuchiol boosts collagen and elastin production it naturally allows skin to appear firmer and more toned.
Protects against environmental aggressors: with its strong antioxidant properties, which help fight free radical damage. By defending complexions from these external factors, it prevents premature aging and maintain overall skin health.
Acts as a gentle alternative to retinol: unlike retinol, which can cause irritation, dryness, or peeling, bakuchiol is gentler and typically doesn't cause these side effects. It’s a great option for people with sensitive skin who want the benefits of retinol without the irritation.
HOW TO USE BAKUCHIOL
Moisturisers, oils and serums containing bakuchiol extract should be applied to cleansed face and neck. And as always with your skin care, you should apply your products in order of thinnest to thickest consistency. For example, if you bakuchiol-enriched formula is an oil, it should be applied before your creams and moisturisers. When using bakuchiol in the AM, follow with a broad-spectrum SPF.
BEST BAKUCHIOL PRODUCTS
61
RRP: £13.00Current price: £10.40
1
RRP: £55.00Current price: £44.00
3
£44.00
RRP: £148.00Current price: £118.40
10
£55.00
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RRP: £61.00Current price: £48.80
WHAT IS BAKUCHIOL FAQS
Is bakuchiol better than retinol?
Bakuchiol and retinol are both popular ingredients in skin care, known for their ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, however they work in slightly different ways. Even though retinol is considered a hero for premature aging, bakuchiol is often recommended as the better choice for those with sensitive skin or those who experience irritation from retinol.
What are the downsides of bakuchiol?
While bakuchiol is generally less photosensitive than retinol, there is still a slight risk of sun sensitivity. With that in mind, we recommend to always wear sunscreen during the day when using products with bakuchiol, especially if you're using other actives.
What to avoid when using bakuchiol?
As bakuchiol can promote skin cell turnover, using it alongside harsh exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid could lead to over-exfoliation, which might cause irritation, dryness, or sensitivity. If you’re using exfoliants, it’s best to alternate them with bakuchiol, not use them at the same time.
There you have it, now you know what bakuchiol is and how it can benefit your skin, all that’s left to do is to upgrade your routine and let this new powerhouse ingredient in. Trust us, your complexion will thank you for it!
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
